This week, the gorgeous tv and radio presenter Emma Willis launched her debut fashion range at high street favourite NEXT. This is her very first full collection designed collaboratively between herself and the designers at Next and consists of ready-to-wear Tailoring/ Beachwear and a Nightwear range. Emma has pulled together over 30 pieces taking design inspiration from personal experiences, personal style choices and drawing from current trends.

‘The project definitely took me by surprise and has been a real dream come true. Designing clothes is something I never initially thought I would be able to do, as I didn’t train in that field and I’m not naturally gifted with a pen and paper but I think it’s important to try new things and keep pushing myself. I don’t like to get complacent – sometimes you need to be scared in life, but in a good way.’ Emma Willis

The Emma Willis collection is made up of power-dressing suits in subtle neutral tones, soft cotton T’s and bolder accents of navy running through key pieces among stripes and floral prints. There is a strong sense of travel and transitioning into the warmer months which I absolutely LOVE! Emma Willis has designed the range with every age and shape in mind, making it accessible for everyone looking to update their wardrobe with fashion-led styles and more importantly affordable high street prices.

Here are a few of my favourite items from the collection;

These stunning neutral wide leg trousers look fabulous styled as is with this simple casual top, but would equally transform into the perfect evening outfit teamed with a pair of wedges for some height. Shop the look HERE.

Jumpsuits are all the rage and this black one with its essential pockets (everyone loves a pocket) and tie waist is one item of clothing you could live in this Summer! Check this out HERE.

The key to suiting is to look at it as two individual versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with other separates to create even more outfits! A good suit is an investment piece. This jacket for example would look great with a pair of jeans and trainers and costs £65. The relaxed suit trousers are £36 and can be found here.

The Beachwear range consists of floaty beach shirts to throw over your swimwear, cotton shorts and lose feminine playsuits. The palm print bikini comes in both low AND high waisted bottoms. This black a-symmetric swimming costume is stunning! Shop it HERE.

These Navy button through pyjamas have a lovely white trim detail. If there’s one thing that gets neglected in my wardrobe it is my Nightwear. These pj’s are £38 and you can buy them HERE.

Another year on and this October I am once again spreading awareness for the amazing work the charity Breast Cancer Care do, by wearing something PINK for every day of the month for Breast Cancer Awareness. BCC’s campaign this year is #ShareTheCare and all about ‘giving back’ so I took it upon myself to gather a bunch of fabulous women to join me in a mass group photo wearing nothing but PINK bras and jeans. Collectively we all have an amazing social reach of over 500, 000 followers on Instagram alone, so it felt right for us to give back, and help spread the importance of knowing your body and CHECKING YOUR BOOBS REGULARLY.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, one person is diagnosed every 10 minutes.

1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month around 5,000 people will be diagnosed.

Some of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

a change in size or shape

a lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast

a change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like the skin of an orange)

redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple

your nipple has become pulled in or looks different, for example changed its position or shape

liquid that comes from the nipple without squeezing

pain in your breast or your armpit that’s there all or almost all of the time

TELL US ABOUT YOU? I’m half Vietnamese/half Chinese Mum of two beautiful little shits age 4 and 2. I gave up my career in fashion to look after my kids but I’m finding Instagram is now like my job again! The creativity, network, and discovering new brands! I simply LOVE anything to do with fashion especially clothes!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? I’m classic with a nod to the trends! I’m never afraid to try anything different. You have to have fun.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU? My mum inspired me into fashion and clothes. she was a seamstress and I learnt to sew from an early age! She was always impeccably dressed and I always admired the way she took care of herself! But today everything from social media, friends, people watching and magazines all inspires me!

DESCRIBE THE CURRENT STATE OF YOUR WARDROBE! It’s organised chaos! I turn my wardrobe around each season as I don’t have the room or space to have all my clothes out! I used to have a walk-in wardrobe but gave that up for the kids! I was heartbroken!

Debbie’s enviable shoe racks!

Debbie’s Wardrobe

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE? – some lovely summer dresses and swimsuits from Zara for our holiday. And some gorgeous Air and Grace glitter sneakers!

IS THERE A TREND YOU’RE LOVING RIGHT NOW? – I’m loving all the flares, wide leg jeans and trousers! I’m a massive fan of this look! Also loving the trench! I have a classic Burberry which I only wore sporadically but now I’m like “yep you’re on again mate!”

OLDEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE YOU CAN’T SEEM TO PART WITH? Oh there’s loads! I’m a clothes hoarder but all my coats and jackets! I just know fashion comes around again and most of my outerwear have been investment pieces so now they’re like “vintage darling!”

This glitter H&M outfit is Debbie’s favourite from her wardrobe. She also got papped in these trousers when featured in Look Magazine!

ANY FASHION FAILS YOU’VE MADE? Fucking hell!!! Yeah! I was a massive RnB hip hop fan and loved MC hammer so I got my Mum to make me a pair of those baggy Aladdin pants and I rocked them with my Filas and champions! Remember those?! Haha!!!

IS THERE A PARTICULAR COLOUR YOU’RE DRAWN TO? Red! Its my favourite colour and it’s lucky in my culture! So red!

FAVOURITE HIGH STREET BRAND AND WHY? H&M for its bang on trend, up to date style and affordability!

HAS YOUR STYLE DIFFERED FROM PRE TO POST MOTHERHOOD? Yes I now wear a coat if I’m out and I wear sensible footwear cos my feet have suffered from those killer heels I wore when I was single!!!

A selection of pre-motherhood Pan shots!

And finally…

WHAT MESSAGE WILL YOU BE GIVING (or do you already) TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT STYLE AND BODY CONFIDENCE? Let your personality shine through your clothes and don’t be afraid to give a trend a go! Fashion should be fun! Learn to love your body and accept your flaws as those are what make you unique and individual.

Follow Debbie on Instagram HERE, she’s one glamorous mama. You’ll often find her on Insta Stories eye-rolling over her kid’s Roman and Rosie’s behaviour (in the biggest LOL way!)….Rosie in particular is pretty hilarious! Her husband calls her the PAN because he once joked that her face is as flat as a frying pan HAHAHAHA! Join in on the PAN fun for more awesome Style pics and family time xx She’s a bloody good cookie!

Ever been intrigued to see what your favourite Influencers have in their wardrobes? Want to know where they like to shop, what their favourite items are and discover their most treasured accessories? This new Series of mine lets us discover the truth behind the style, the old clobber among the new and reveal the stories within the wardrobe.

Wednesday’s Wardrobe Presents….

TELL US ABOUT YOU? I’m a 27 year old mum to one living in Hackney, East London.. I write a blog called THE MIDDLE MAMA, where I chat all sorts of bits and bobs and take too many pictures of my baby. Come say hi!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? My style is casual, cool and almost always comfy. I’m trainers 80% of the time.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I love living in East London for style inspiration. There are so many well-dressed people around. I definitely take a lot of inspiration from the streets, cafes and pubs of Hackney.

DESCRIBE THE CURRENT STATE OF YOUR WARDROBE! Pretty full! And with probably the most colour and print it’s ever had.

Franki’s wardrobe consists of plenty of dresses!

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE? A black, baggy top and joggers co-ord from Zara. I can’t wait to wear it in spring with sunnies and a basket bag. It looks so comfy but cool at the same time. Perfect for mum-ing.

IS THERE A TREND YOU’RE LOVING RIGHT NOW? Leopard print. I seem to be drawn to leopard print loads at the moment. I’ve read that it’s a neutral so, you kind of NEED it in your wardrobe anyway, right?

OLDEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE YOU CAN’T SEEM TO PART WITH? I have a chunky, off the shoulder, pastel pink jumper that I think I’ve worn once. I absolutely love it, it’s really beautiful but it doesn’t really suit me. It would look so much better on someone with smaller boobs but I can’t bear to part with it!

ANY FASHION FAILS YOU’VE MADE? Probably! When I was younger I went through a stage of ONLY wearing clothes if they were Nike or Adidas. I know that’s kind of cool now but at the time it wasn’t really. I was a massive tomboy and whilst other girls my age were wearing crop tops and flared trousers and listening to steps. I was head to toe in tracksuits and at Elland Road watching Leeds United. My mum even cried once because I demanded to wear my trainers under my Holy Communion dress. I would only wear my hair scraped back in a low ponytail too. Again, kinda cool now but it really wasn’t at the time!

FAVOURITE HIGH STREET BRAND AND WHY? I used to buy EVERYTHING from ASOS because I’m pretty lazy and free next-day delivery makes it so easy but I’d have to say Zara. Recently, I can’t go in there without wanting everything! It’s so reasonable too.

This pink Zara Suit is one of Franki’s favourite Wardrobe items, which she recently wore to a wedding

Another favourite piece of hers is this gorgeous wide-leg Stella McCartney pair of Jeans

MOST TREASURED ACCESSORY YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? Ed bought me a Sophia Hulme cross body bag for Christmas this year and I really love it. It’s quite understated and simple and I really like that. I also wear my mums first wedding ring (it’s my wedding ring now) every day, so that too.

HAS YOUR STYLE DIFFERED FROM PRE TO POST MOTHERHOOD? I don’t think it has really changed that much. One thing I noticed when looking though old pictures was that I only ever really wore black, grey or white before and since becoming a mum I tend to wear more colour. I think that’s the instagram effect! The biggest change I made was chopping all my hair off after having a baby though. I used to have such long hair and now it’s shorter I feel much more grown up and stylish.

Franki pre-motherhood, with her envious long locks!!

And finally…

WHAT MESSAGE WILL YOU BE GIVING (or do you already) TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT STYLE AND BODY CONFIDENCE? That she can wear whatever the hell she wants and will look fabulous in anything that she decides she likes. But also, that there is so much more to body confidence than what you wear. It comes from the inside and I’ll try my best to teach that to her.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:

LEOPARD OR STRIPE? Leopard

SECOND HAND OR DOUBLE CLICK? Double Click

HEELS OR FLATS? Flats

STATEMENT EARRINGS OR NECKLACE? Earrings (hoops every time!)

HOARDER OR CLEARER? Clearer (and constant replacer!)

Franki has become one of those great friends I’ve met throughout the world of Instagram. She’s a cool East London mama with lots of style. You’ll find her over on Instagram @themiddlemama sharing her recent fashion purchases and plenty of gorgeous pics of Mally her daughter! With her experience as a former Teacher, she has recently shown an interest in the Period Poverty discussion/ debate and is helping challenge the stigma which surrounds speaking up about Menstruation. If you head to her blog www.themiddlemama.com you’ll find a number of amazing campaigns you too could jump on to help make a difference. One of which is The Red Box Project which Franki herself is running in Hackney xxx

Ever been intrigued to see what your favourite Inflencers have in their wardrobes? Want to know where they like to shop, what their favourite items are and discover their most treasured accessories? This new Series of mine lets us discover the truth behind the style, the old clobber among the new and reveal the stories within the wardrobe.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I’m incredibly inspired by street style I could watch people walk by for hours.The 70s is where I get a lot of my vibe from.

DESCRIBE THE CURRENT STATE OF YOUR WARDROBE! Majorly fluffy. Incredibly sassy. I have an open closet, i love seeing all my clothes out and just hanging with my best friend trying on outfits and dancing around with a disco ball!

Claire’s exposed wardrobe is full of an eclectic mix of items.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST RECENT FASHION PURCHASE? Some Gucci slides, an Anine Bing tee. Anine Bing is one of my favourite designers, her journey is incredibly inspiring. A true example of how badass us women are.

IS THERE A TREND YOU’RE LOVING RIGHT NOW? The white ankle boot. Being an Essex girl I’ve had to be careful to not be a walking cliche. Unfortunately i am. This S/S sees the approval of white footwear

OLDEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE YOU CAN’T SEEM TO PART WITH? A leather jacket, had it since I was 21. It’s been on some truly epic adventures, I will never part with it. I still live in it now.

IS THERE A PARTICULAR COLOUR YOU’RE DRAWN TO? I love colour it really lifts my mood. Blue is my current favourite but I do tend to go all in then get board and switch. I also go though stages of wearing a lot of black, or all white.

FAVOURITE HIGH STREET BRAND AND WHY? Topshop, I don’t shop on the high street very often anymore but if I do I’m guaranteed to pick up something in there. Since starting my own clothing brand I’ve become very aware of what goes on behind the scene and the true journey of mass produced clothing. This has helped me spend better. I was a nightmare with buying without really thinking if I actually need it.

MOST TREASURED ACCESSORY YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My earrings that I got from Ibiza. Love them!

HAS YOUR STYLE DIFFERED FROM PRE TO POST MOTHERHOOD? No, I’ve always been a jeans and tee shirt girl. I think you can be comfy and still look effortlessly cool.

And finally…

WHAT MESSAGE WILL YOU BE GIVING (or do you already) TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT STYLE AND BODY CONFIDENCE? Come as you are. No one is you and that is your super power.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:

LEOPARD OR STRIPE? Leopard!! Leopard!! And Leopard!!

SECOND HAND OR DOUBLE CLICK? A bit of both.

HEELS OR FLATS? Flats

STATEMENT EARRINGS OR NECKLACE? Earings

HOARDER OR CLEARER? Clearer, I go through my closet every season and get organised.

FLUFFY coats are Claire’s FAVOURITE wardrobe items!

Claire has an inspiring Instagram page @panicthemother. As a fellow mama with a history of Mental Health, her feed is full of inspiring, POSITIVE and encouraging words. It doesn’t stop there either…she has a Blog too www.panicthemother.com and will be launching her own merhandise soon, so make sure you sign up to her mailing list!